1. Chemical Interactions: When two or more chemicals interact, they can produce a synergistic effect, where the combined toxicity exceeds the sum of their individual effects. This is a critical consideration in chemical safety and pharmacology.
2. Bioaccumulation: Certain substances accumulate in living organisms over time, leading to higher toxicity levels. This is particularly concerning with persistent organic pollutants that remain in the environment for extended periods.
3. Environmental Factors: Changes in environmental conditions, such as pH, temperature, or the presence of other chemicals, can alter the toxicity of a substance. For example, heavy metals may become more toxic in acidic conditions.
4. Genetic Variability: Individuals may have genetic variations that affect how toxins are metabolized, leading to increased susceptibility. This area of study is known as pharmacogenomics.
